I would like to ask peoples opinion about the use of black and white photography being used for flowers..only flowers, nothing else. I personally feel all flowers give us such beauty in all the wonderful colours on earth, I'm an artist yes, and so I have definite feelings about colours. But to me a rose is only a rose when we see its gorgeous colour, and a purple iris is beautiful for its colour...even the lowly dandelion is only looked upon because it is yellow..and all the greenery that comes with flowers.What about the gorgeous photos of orchids?They would not be the same in black and white. The list is endless.There was a time all photos were in black and white, but isn't it great now that we have colours photos? I realize that black and white is wonderfully dramatic, look at Ansel Adams works and it is totally proof of that and many other photographers.. But please, let's hear some comments on this. I'd really like to know what everyone thinks.....I want to be more openminded about this and learn too....... thank you for thinking about this subject...

My oppinon would be that flowers ussually look better in color. You are right in saying that is often where the beauty lies in them. With that said im sure i have seen some very well done photos in black and white that were probably better that way. I think it takes a very special floral picture to pull off the black and white though.

Thanx Milo for some things to think on........

Well ive got a few minutes before work to throw my two cents into the pot! i agree that colour is an important factor in Floral Photography, but thats not to say that a Black and White photo wont work. Something im fairly partial to is a manipulated image, turning a full colour image into a B&W background, with only your primary focus in colour! And (now to shamelessly plug one of my old images) my Blackend Orchid 2 image is a rough example of that along with a basic tutorial for Photoshop if anyone else wanted to try this approach!

I'm still not sure I see the point in discussing things like this. Would there be any final conclusion? I may think "this" and you may think "that" and I might even think "this" and "that" at the same time (I do that as a matter of fact)...

To say that a rose is only a rose when it is in color are an absurd sentiment for me. Perception of the world is possible in a number of ways, none more "right" or "wrong" then the other... I mean... Poor colorblind people. Don't they see the beautiful rose as much as me? And approximately 15‰... Is this a big problem for you? ^_^

Sorry, this sounds like a bashing. I don't mean that. I'm just totally at loss as of where you come from in all of this. For example how you came up with such a, lets say, less then flexible way of thinking about it? You do see the point in the "masters" work considering "B&W".

Most pieces posted here are not per se black and white shots, unless you have perhaps the odd scan of an "analogue" shot... In other words most here are altered using editing software in any number of ways into, what I personally like to think of "grayscale" images. A few black and white only edits are to be seen but I have no problems with them either. This kind of edit sets a certain mood and that is one of the big points of editing IMHO. It's a kind of edit that makes the viewer consider other parts of the photo then the color... Lighting and contrast and the handeling of the subject in the particular settings can become enhanced in a certain way.

One might even be harsh enough to say that a flower shot that does not look good in grayscale probably isn't that much to tell your neighbors about... ^_^ If you can't appreciate the composition of the subject and all its shapes and shadings and all the little details in a piece that lacks color, then I guess I see... Hm...

Being an artist makes you care for composition, lighting and details also, no? Just the colors aren't even half of the piece. Just because we have color photography we must not stop making grayscale pieces, does it? That would be a bit odd. For me it translates to: "There is pasta so there's no need for chicken." E.i. there's no need to have a conflict in the matter. It's open for your personal taste... Who will have the pasta and who will cook the chicken? I'll do both in a crazy rucola salad spiced with garlic, pepper and thyme.

Now, please remember. I offer this as *my* opinion. I have no need to make others agree or understand if you don't feel like it. You are most certainly entitled to your opinion. As long as you give me the same courtesy.

If you think I'm being harsh in this matter please consider that I have received PMs in this matter from Verena. I didn't take it so badly but come to think about it, I can't say how much I disagree. Her PM said among other things:

"I think the purpose of a rose is to give us all of its glorious colour. I see no reason to make any flower into a black and white photo. Im not generally this definite about a photo. But I think all the beauty of any flower is lost when it is put into this medium."

I still think I didn't take it badly or was offended... ^_^ I'm like that I guess... Nor do I intend to offend anyone with this post. Everyones opinions in the matter was wanted after all, and this is mine.

This is not a personal thing against anyone, it is simply meant to see and read other peoples thoughts on this. I thought it might be interesting to take note of what was felt about it. I apologize if I've disturbed you. I have at times done black and white. Yu can check my gallery where I have such postings. I am open to any thoughts. Thanx for yours

A master with B&W was Ansel Adams.
I have seen a couple of B&W flowers that have turned out good, such as this one or this one or this one or even this one .

I went to look at them, yes I agree, they are good, the ones samarn did were excellent, maybe I am too biased in thinking a rose is a rose and should be in colour? guess I need to broaden my horizons a bit? thats why I posted this thread I guess. Thanx Piner.

Saying Goodbye by cinny7 is one of the best photos posted here recently IMO. It isn't black and white, but she has done the opposite of wht I would usually by toning down the color rather than increasing the saturation, and it has greatly added to the shot I think.

I don't hold a grudge to anyone either. I know you have made B&W Verena. That is not the point here. ;) (No flowers though, right?) I'm just offering my opinions... As was asked for. (I would have preferred that you kept the heading on the discussion like you started it though... "What are your thoughts on flowers being photographed in black and white?" I thought it covered it pretty good, why the change? (Ok so most doesn't actually shoot in B&W but many digitals have that as a preset.)) You are right to think a rose is a rose... But that it would stop being a rose without the colors is a rather strange opinion for me. Each to his own I guess. I'm fine with that at least.

As a rule I don't much care for flowers in B/W.. I love flowers for their color.. It would have to be an exceptioonal photo to work for me..

The point of floral photography is to capture the color and shadow of the flower. To show the diversity and design of the naturel structure of the flower.

To me B&W images of flowers are pointless.

I would say it depends on the purpose for photographing the flower. B&W captures artistic elements such as shape, texture, and contrast better than color. Color is just another tool to get a point across, so if you are wanting to show the beauty of the flower in itself, use color. If you are after something beyond the flower itself, use black and white.

I would not go so far as to say any artform is pointless; I would however say that most people that are looking for photos of flowers want it in color because that's how they are most often portrayed in the mind's eye.

;D.
Colour isnt the only important thing about flowers. the shape and texture of the petals can make a wonderful photo too. i particularly like taking b&w when the lighting is dull, when the colour would just look dull, but the b&w will turn it into an interesting photograph.

Thank you Pillip. I agree that the beauty of flowers comes from several qualities: Their colors, their shapes, the shapes of their parts, their smells, etc. The advantage that Black and white has over color is that it allows us to see shapes and shadows without being distracted by color. Though I realize that color is an important quality for flowers, it isn't the only quality, and using black and white allows us to see those characteristics that are ordinarily masked by the overwhelming beauty of their colors. Don't sell B&W short. It is an amazing medium when used correctly.

I think it can depend on the picture. If it is the rich hues that makes the shot, go for color. If it is the internal shadows and shapes, try it monochrome. If you aren't sure, try a bit of both. I have been trying to upload more variety (i.e. b&w, sepia, b&w/color, sepia/color). I may have rewritten the books on fire photography, but no promises yet. Haven't had the chance to manipulate those yet... :-)

This is the exact thing I was hoping for with myself posing the question. I wanted and needed to see how others felt about the b&w flower thought. See? (I'm not all bad...lol)...I wouldn't even mind trying to do one for the sake of texture//contrast etc. In fact I did do one photo that had the contrast of a huge rock and there were grasses and tiny flowers next to it. But I guess in themselves I Do look for the richness of colours in flowers. But I really do want to know these thoughts....it's great the way you have all put in your ideas and feelings..thank you lots!! keep right on...'cause this is kinda nice.

I recall seeing a very good photo of a Lilly in B&W. Can't recall where... but I guess sicne a Lilly is white already, it lends itself to that medium...

Another thought for those of the old school leaning: hand colored flowers look really interesting as well.

This afternoon's rambling alcohol-fuelled discussion veered towards photography at one point, so I raised this question. My opinion was that for all I love BW it doesn't suit flowers, but that view wasn't held unanimously (and there were only two of us talking...). I'm now reconsidering and may well experiment over the next few days. If I don't upload anything you can assume I'll be sticking to colour in future ;-)

I think flowers can work fine in mono - but as is the case with any black & white subject there needs to be a lot of detail & texture in there to hold the composition.

My feeling is what they say in Jamacia "Anything Go's"!!
Peace&Respect Jojo